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Trial of Stefano Brizzi, charged with murdering policeman PC Gordon Semple, starts today at the Old Bailey

The man accused of murdering and dismembering a policeman he allegedly met on the gay dating website Grindr stands trial today at the Old Bailey.

Stefano Brizzi, 50, was charged with killing PC Gordon Semple, who was reported missing by his partner Gary when he failed to return to their home in Hayes Road, Greenhithe, on April 1.

Mr Semple, 59, who worked for the Met Police, was allegedly killed at the man's flat in Southwark in south London in April this year.

PC Gordon Semple
PC Gordon Semple

Social worker Brizzi has denied the charges.

Mr Semple had been on duty and had attended a meeting at the Shangri-La Hotel in The Shard near London Bridge shortly before he disappeared.

He was last seen on CCTV about half a mile away from the Southwark flats, three hours after leaving The Shard.

His remains were found about 200 yards from where he was last spotted.

Mr Semple had been a serving officer for 30 years with the Metropolitan Police and worked in an anti-social behaviour unit with Westminster council at the time of his death.

Police van at Southwark Estate where Mr Semple's remains were found. Picture: SWNS.
Police van at Southwark Estate where Mr Semple's remains were found. Picture: SWNS.

He used to get the train home from work, get off at Stone Crossing, and, on his walk back, would stop into the Lads of The Village pub for a pint.

Earlier this year his brother, Ronnie Semple, said: “On behalf of Gordon’s partner Gary, my wife Maureen, Gordon’s nephew Paul, niece Kerry and I, I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts during the past dreadful week. It has been a terrible time for us all, especially Gary.”

His niece, Kerry Nicholas, described him as “very outgoing, sociable and friendly” and “a happy-go-lucky kind of guy”.

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